7 construction teams seek I-4 makeover contract

Seven construction teams are in the running for the $2.1 billion overhaul of Interstate 4 through Metro Orlando, state officials said Friday.

The bidders include companies from across the world, all of which are competing to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project that includes four tolled express lanes to help finance it.

The next step is for the Florida Department of Transportation to whittle the list to three or four bidders, officials said. A final selection is expected next spring.

The makeover of Central Florida's main transportation artery will include improvements to a 21-mile stretch from Kirkman Road through downtown Orlando to State Road 434. Work could begin as soon as 2015.